The effect of Ecstasy on memory is moderated by a functional polymorphism in the cathechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene.
Eur Neuropsychopharmacol
; 19(2): 116-24, 2009 Feb.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19042106
ABSTRACT
There is ample evidence for decreased verbal memory in heavy Ecstasy users. However, findings on the presence of a dose-response relation are inconsistent, possibly due to individual differences in genetic vulnerability. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is involved in the catabolism of Ecstasy. Therefore, COMT gene polymorphisms may moderate this vulnerability. We prospectively assessed verbal memory in subjects with a high risk for future Ecstasy use, and compared 59 subjects after first Ecstasy use with 60 subjects that remained Ecstasy-naive. In addition, we tested the interaction effect of Ecstasy and the functional val (158)met polymorphism on verbal memory. Met-allele carriers were somewhat more sensitive to the effects of Ecstasy on verbal learning than homozygous val-subjects. After correction for the use of other substances this effect was no longer statistically significant. The findings suggest that the COMT gene moderates the negative effect of Ecstasy on memory, but also other drug use seems to play a role.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Polimorfismo Genético
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Catecol O-Metiltransferase
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Serotoninérgicos
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N-Metil-3,4-Metilenodioxianfetamina
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Memória
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur Neuropsychopharmacol
Assunto da revista:
PSICOFARMACOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2009
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Holanda